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'We honestly didn’t know how to survive'

18 September 2020
My name is David. I'm married with three children. I have worked several minimum wage jobs from care worker roles to handyman of a restaurant chain (I am now furloughed). I’ve had ongoing mental health problems and although I'm still medicating I feel I have beaten depression largely and my anxiety is more manageable. I am right now affected by the two-child limit and benefit cap - this alongside a stressful transition to universal credit has caused much stress to both my wife and me, putting a strain on our relationship, generally leaving us wondering how we are going to survive at times. 
Benefit cap Blog Health Two child limit UK Universal credit Welfare reform Northern Ireland
Press release

London children board a Routemaster bus to Westminster to stop scrapping of free travel

18 September 2020
Young Londoners are travelling to Westminster today on an open-topped Routemaster bus to oppose the suspension of free travel in the city for 11-17 year olds – as a survey from Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) shows the suspension will force some families to cut back on daily living expenses – including food – while restricting children’s access to family, friends and out-of-school activities (see Notes to Editors for filming info/timings).
Child poverty in London Costs and spending Online Press release UK England London
News

Don't Zap the Zip Day of Action - Friday 18 September

17 September 2020
On Friday 18 September, Child Poverty Action Group is holding a Day of Action as part of its Don’t Zap the Zip campaign, which aims to stop the proposed suspension of free travel for under 18s in London. Find out more and how to get involved.
Child poverty in London Costs and spending Education News Online UK England London
News

Disability benefits update and tactics

09 September 2020
Some places left for this half-day experienced level online course in 17 September - book now
Children and families Disability benefits Disabled children News PIP Training in Scotland Scotland
News

Scottish social security law update - training

09 September 2020
Online training course to run on 11 - 12 Nov, delivered via Zoom
News Training in Scotland Scotland
Blog

Learning after lockdown: school bells herald extra costs

03 September 2020
This week, schools in England will open their doors to their full school community for the first time in almost six months. We know that families with children have been hardest hit by the economic effects of the pandemic, with 2 in 5 facing financial difficulty, and that the lowest paid have been most badly affected. In this perfect storm of a difficult lockdown and worsening household finances, there needs to be much more focus on family income as children return to school.  
Blog Children’s benefits Coronavirus Cost of the school day Costs and spending Education Extended schools Free school meals Health UK
News

New programme of online training courses now available

31 August 2020
We have extended our online training through to December 2020
News Training in Scotland Scotland
Press release

Low-income parents relying on child benefit for household basics

31 August 2020
As many families prepare this week for a uniquely expensive return to school after lockdown, new research shows that in recent years parents have increasingly had to use their child benefit to cover utility bills and other bottom-line household costs.
Benefit levels Children’s benefits Costs and spending Education Press release UK
Blog

Algorithms in social security: cause for concern?

28 August 2020
Two weeks ago pupils, parents and schools were up in arms when the news broke that 40 per cent of teacher-assessed A level results had been downgraded by at least one grade. The culprit? A computer, or to be precise, an algorithm. This episode clearly shows the chaos that can be caused to people’s lives when the technology that so many parts of public services now rely on goes wrong.
Benefit delivery Blog Legal Mandatory reconsideration and appeals UK Universal credit
News

Extra help for families due to the coronavirus pandemic

26 August 2020
Watch our new video on AskCPAG
News Scotland